A DEVELOPER has been given the go-ahead to proceed with a 55-home scheme at Pool-in-Wharfedale.

Leeds City Council refused Taylor Wimpey's proposal for land behind Church Close - originally for up to 70 properties - last summer.

The council had cited a number of concerns including about the site's Protected Area of Land status and road safety, with the proposed access being from the A659 Pool Road.

It also flagged up a lack of 'necessary contributions' for things like affordable housing, public transport and green space.

Taylor Wimpey, however, appealed and a public inquiry was held to decide the matter.

The outcome was announced this week and outline planning permission has been granted to the developer, albeit with 16 conditions attached.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) said: "I am disappointed both with the decision reached by the inspector and the defence that the council put up.

"I feel very sorry for the residents who put their faith in the council's case which looked good on paper, but turned out to have some problems.

"I'm also concerned about how the council will be able to protect other sites in the area now we've lost this appeal."

In its Statement of Case, which set out the arguments it would be putting to the inquiry, the council said: "It is considered that only the comprehensive and holistic development of the wider safeguarded site, if at all, could possibly deliver adequate highways and educational infrastructure required to serve the future needs of the wider site.

"

Taylor Wimpey, however, had stressed the benefits that would be delivered including:

*A 35 per cent quota of affordable housing

*New public green spaces

*The creation of a 'surface water attenuation basin' to control flood water run-off.